INDIANAPOLIS, IN — The Indianapolis Fire Department (IFD) faced a challenging and tragic day Friday, responding to five working fires that left multiple families displaced and two people dead, according to a department update.
The first fire broke out around 9:18 a.m. at 439 N. Gray Street, where a garage fire spread into a nearby vacant house. Neighbors told investigators that squatters may have been involved.
Just minutes later, at 9:24 a.m., firefighters were dispatched to 16 N. Linwood Avenue, where an electrical attic fire displaced five adults and one child.
The third—and deadliest—fire occurred at 3718 N. Audubon Road around 10:20 a.m. Crews discovered two victims inside a burning home and performed life-saving measures, but both were later pronounced dead at the scene. Two children found unharmed were placed safely with relatives. The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) is investigating.
At 10:55 a.m., firefighters battled an apartment fire at 6535 Hot Springs Way that was fueled by high winds. The fire affected eight units, displacing 11 adults, one child, and two dogs.
Later, at 5:17 p.m., IFD responded to 3241 Alice Avenue for a chimney fire in a single-story residence. No injuries were reported, but another family was displaced.
IFD officials expressed condolences to the families impacted by the day’s events and reminded residents to check smoke alarms, prepare home evacuation plans, and assist vulnerable neighbors during colder months.
